Today's Update: Tuesday, November 29, 2022

November 29, 2022

Dear Student Life team,

I hope you had the chance to read President Johnson’s message about her resignation at the end of the academic year. I completely understand that this was unexpected news, and I hope you join me in celebrating and appreciating all that we have accomplished under President Johnson’s leadership, from Ohio State’s masterful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, to our commitment to campus and neighborhood safety, student mental health and well-being, and an outstandingly re-energized student experience – both in-person and virtual. And this is just a small sample of many phenomenal achievements by the Student Life team over the past couple of years.

As I am sure you all know, the transition of leadership at any organization can be a stressful time for all community members. In our case and at an institution this large, this encompasses tens of thousands of students, staff and faculty members; hundreds of thousands of alumni, donors and friends; and countless other supporters like parents, families, community leaders …the list could go on. I know and expect that all of you are likely considering how this transition will affect our work. I want to acknowledge any uncertainty you may be feeling and also reassure you about our vision for the future. We have important work to do in providing all Ohio State students with opportunities to engage, learn and thrive at this amazing institution, and I look forward to this continued work together. I hope you do, too.

Again, please join me in thanking and wishing President Johnson and First Lady Meinhard all the very best, and in looking forward to the future with positivity and pride.

With much appreciation,

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD 

Senior Vice President for Student Life 
The Ohio State University